Allyship

Allyship is a word we hear and use often in reference to LGBTQ communities and LGBTQ inclusion – but it’s not specific to that group. Today I’m going to explore what the word means and why it’s important for furthering inclusion, equity, diversity and social justice.
To be an ally … [Continue reading] The Importance of Allyship

Welcome to week 4.
Happy Eid to all of our Muslim brothers and sisters!
Ramadan ended last night, and today is the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, which means ‘festival to break the fast’. It will continue until Tuesday, June 27th at sundown.
And if you’re (also) part of the LGBTQ community in … [Continue reading] Action – Part 4 of “How to be an Ally”

Welcome to week 3!
If you missed the last two weeks, you can find them here:
- A general overview, but with a focus on Ramadan
- The first R in ROAR – Recognize Privilege
O = Openness to Learning
The whole point of the O is that as allies, there will be many things that you don’t know, don’t … [Continue reading] Being Open to Learning – Part 3 of ‘How to be an Ally’

Welcome to week 2!
An ally is someone who supports someone else. In the context of social justice, allies support people and communities who are marginalized, in their struggle for equity, human rights, justice, etc. An ally is not a member of the group they are allied with.
Last week, we … [Continue reading] Recognize Privilege – Part 2 of “How to be an Ally”

This Wednesday April 12th is Day of Pink – the international day against bullying, discrimination, homophobia, transphobia and transmysogyny.
An act of support
It didn’t start out meaning to be a day recognized around the world; it started as an act meant to support one person. Jadrien Cota – … [Continue reading] Day of Pink – April 12

This is what Islamophobia looks like
This is what Islamophobia looks like: A policy that has been in place for 20 years, allowing Muslim students the opportunity to pray at schools on Fridays, being violently opposed.
This is what Islamophobia looks like: Tearing pages out of the Qu’ran.
This … [Continue reading] Islamophobia at a School Board meeting

I finally watched Meryl Streep’s acceptance speech for her Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Globes.
Wow...
If you haven’t seen it yet, watch it or read it.
It’s powerful. And so important.
It's also heartwarming and inspiring to see someone use their position and privilege to make … [Continue reading] Meryl Streep’s Golden Globe Speech

Since Brexit an interesting phenomenon has appeared – the use of the once innocuous safety pin as a symbol of safe space. It has popped up in the USA post-election as well.
It’s heartening to see people recognizing that spaces are not safe for everyone. Check. It’s also great to see that … [Continue reading] Thoughts on the Safety Pin